Everyone seems to know the importance of drinking water in the summer time when it is very hot, but it is also important to get enough water in the winter time, when you are less likely to feel thirsty. Frostbite isn’t the only thing to be afraid of in the winter! Two-thirds of your body is made up of water. You need water to live; it is needed in every cell, tissue and organ in order to function. It is important to be drinking water throughout the day, and eating foods with a high water content.
Those who wake up with aches, pains and headaches in the winter may need to consume more water. We get water from eating food too, so we should definitely take this into account. The elderly and those who exercise in the cold must be especially careful in the winter, because they are less likely to feel their own thirst.

Tips on avoiding dehydration this winter:

• Divide your body weight by 2, that’s about how much water you need each day in ounces.
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to increase water intake through food sources.
• Drink a cup of water right after you wake up.
• Drink a cup of water right before you go to sleep.
• Drink water with every meal, to create a routine and a schedule for drinking water.
• Keep a water bottles at your desk, and drink them throughout the workday.
• Keep a reusable full water bottle with you where ever you go.
• Coffee and Tea count in your fluid intake for the day.
• If you are doing winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding, bring along warm water or warm soup in a thermos.
• If you do not like plain water, add lemon or a tea bag to your cup.
• Look out for warning signs such as apple juice colored urine.
• If you are feeling dizzy, confused, lightheaded, fatigue you may already be experiencing dehydration.

With assistance provided by Colleen Poling